Custom Sportswear Fabric Guide

How to choose the right fabric for custom jerseys, team uniforms and performance apparel.

Quick Answer: Choosing Fabric for Custom Sportswear

Quick Answer

Fabric choice for custom sportswear should be based on garment type, sport use, print method, comfort expectations and artwork requirements. Do not choose fabric by name alone; confirm the product application and design needs before approval.

Fabric Factor Why It Matters Typical Use
Breathability Affects comfort during training or match use. Team jerseys and active sportswear.
Stretch Affects movement and fit expectations. Compression items, fitted garments and active teamwear.
Durability Affects how the garment handles repeated use and washing. Team uniforms, warmups and club apparel.
Print appearance Fabric texture can affect how artwork appears after decoration. Sublimated uniforms and graphic-heavy sportswear.
Garment structure Different products can require different fabric behavior. Jerseys, shorts, jackets, hoodies and polos.

How Buyers Should Choose Fabric

  • Start with the sport and garment type.
  • Confirm whether the design depends on sublimation, embroidery or another decoration method.
  • Review comfort needs such as breathability, stretch and feel.
  • Check color and artwork expectations with the Color Guide.

Manufacturer Note

Fabric texture and garment construction can influence print appearance, so artwork review and fabric selection should be connected rather than treated as separate decisions.

Common Fabric Selection Mistakes

  • Choosing fabric by a generic name without confirming the garment type.
  • Assuming every fabric behaves the same with sublimation.
  • Ignoring stretch and fit expectations when the product is close-fitting.
  • Reviewing colors only on a screen without considering fabric appearance.

Related guides: Sublimation, Custom Sportswear Color Guide, Team Sports Uniforms, and Custom Sportswear Guides.

Custom sportswear fabric guide by Vimost Sports

The right fabric can affect comfort, breathability, stretch, durability, print quality and overall performance. This guide helps teams, clubs, brands and distributors understand common sportswear fabrics and choose suitable materials for custom apparel projects.

Why Fabric Choice Matters

Different sports and apparel products require different fabrics. A hockey jersey, cycling jersey, fishing shirt, hoodie, polo shirt and training top may look similar from a distance, but the fabric requirements can be very different.

Fabric choice can affect how the garment feels, how it stretches, how it handles sweat, how durable it is during use, and how well sublimation colors appear on the surface. Choosing the right fabric before production helps customers create sportswear that fits the intended sport, season, performance level and budget.

  • Comfort and hand feel
  • Breathability and moisture control
  • Stretch and movement
  • Durability and abrasion resistance
  • Warmth and fabric weight
  • Sublimation color performance
  • Fit and garment structure

Common Sportswear Fabric Types

Sportswear fabrics can be grouped by fiber content, knit or woven structure, weight, stretch and finishing. Below are common fabric types used in custom sportswear and team apparel.

Polyester Fabric

Fabric A

Polyester is one of the most common materials for sportswear. It is lightweight, quick-drying, durable and suitable for sublimation printing. Polyester fabrics are widely used for team jerseys, training tops, performance shirts and custom uniforms.

Polyester Mesh

Fabric G

Mesh fabric has an open structure that improves airflow and ventilation. It is often used for breathable jerseys, training wear, panels, lining and high-activity sportswear where cooling and comfort are important.

Bird Eye Fabric

Fabric B 1

Bird eye fabric has a small textured pattern that can improve breathability and moisture movement. It is commonly used for jerseys, polo shirts, training tops and teamwear that needs a balance of comfort and performance.

Interlock Fabric

Fabric J

Interlock is a double-knit fabric with a smooth surface and stable structure. It can provide a cleaner look, good shape retention and a comfortable hand feel, making it suitable for jerseys, T-shirts, polo shirts and performance apparel.

Spandex / Elastane Blends

Fabric #O

Spandex or elastane is added to fabric when stretch and recovery are important. These blends are useful for leggings, compression wear, cycling apparel, fitted training tops and products that need better movement.

Fleece Fabric

Fabric N

Fleece fabric is soft and warm, making it suitable for hoodies, sweatshirts, warm-ups, jackets and cooler-weather apparel. It is often chosen when comfort and warmth are more important than maximum breathability.

Woven Fabric

Fabric D

Woven fabrics are often used for jackets, pants, shorts, outerwear and some warm-up apparel. They can provide structure, durability and a different surface feel compared with knitted jersey fabrics.

Dazzle Fabric

Fabric K

Dazzle fabric has a shiny surface and a traditional athletic look. It can be used for certain team uniforms, panels or styles where a glossy finish is preferred.

Peach Skin Fabric

Fabric F

Peach skin fabric has a soft brushed surface and smooth hand feel. It can be used for apparel styles that need a softer touch and a more casual or comfortable finish.

Docs Docs View More Vimost Sports Fabrics

Fabric Properties Explained

When choosing fabric, the fabric name alone is not enough. Customers should also consider fabric properties such as breathability, stretch, weight, durability and print performance.

Breathability
How easily air can pass through the fabric. Breathable fabrics help improve comfort during activity.

Moisture-Wicking
The ability to move sweat away from the skin and help the garment feel drier.

Stretch
How much the fabric can expand during movement. Stretch fabrics are useful for fitted and performance apparel.

Recovery
How well the fabric returns to its original shape after stretching.

Durability
How well the fabric handles use, washing, rubbing and sport-specific wear.

Fabric Weight
Affects warmth, structure and how heavy the garment feels.

Hand Feel
The surface touch of the fabric, such as smooth, soft, textured, firm or brushed.

Print Performance
How clearly and brightly sublimation colors appear on the fabric.

Choosing Fabric by Sport or Product

There is no single best fabric for every custom sportswear product. The right choice depends on the sport, fit, season, design, print method and customer preference.

Product / SportFabric DirectionMain Considerations
Ice Hockey JerseysDurable polyester knit, mesh or heavier jersey fabricRoomier fit, durability, airflow, sublimation color
Rugby JerseysStronger polyester or performance knitDurability, shape retention, movement
Cycling JerseysLightweight polyester-spandex blendStretch, moisture control, fitted shape
Fishing ShirtsLightweight polyester, quick-dry fabricBreathability, sun comfort, quick-dry feel
Basketball / Soccer JerseysLightweight mesh or bird eye fabricBreathability, movement, moisture control
Esports JerseysSmooth polyester or interlock fabricComfort, clean print, full-color graphics
T-Shirts / Polo ShirtsPolyester jersey, bird eye, interlock or blended fabricComfort, hand feel, print result
Hoodies / SweatshirtsFleece or warmer knit fabricWarmth, softness, structure
Jackets / Pants / ShortsWoven or structured performance fabricDurability, structure, movement

Sublimation and Fabric Compatibility

Many Vimost Sports products use sublimation printing, so fabric compatibility is important. Sublimation works best on polyester or high-polyester fabrics because the dye bonds with synthetic fibers during heat transfer.

White or light-colored polyester fabrics usually provide the best color result. Fabrics with lower polyester content, dark base colors or special finishes may affect color brightness, sharpness and print durability.

  • For sublimated sportswear, polyester content matters.
  • White or light base fabric usually gives brighter print results.
  • Fabric texture can affect color appearance and print sharpness.
  • High stretch fabrics may slightly distort artwork when worn or stretched.
  • Fabric choice should be confirmed before production.

Fabric Swatches Available on Request

Photos and descriptions can help customers understand fabric options, but they cannot fully show hand feel, thickness, stretch or surface texture. For important projects, fabric swatches are recommended before confirming bulk production.

Vimost Sports can provide fabric recommendations based on product type, sport, season, fit preference, print method and order requirements. If you need to compare fabrics, please contact our team and tell us what product you want to make.

  • Product type
  • Sport or apparel category
  • Expected use
  • Preferred fit
  • Required stretch or thickness
  • Sublimation or other decoration method
  • Order quantity
  • Target market or season

Fabric FAQ

There is no single best fabric for every product. The best fabric depends on the sport, product type, fit, season, print method and performance needs. Lightweight mesh may be suitable for breathable jerseys, while fleece may be better for hoodies and warm-ups.

Sublimation usually works best on polyester or high-polyester fabrics. White or light-colored polyester fabrics normally provide brighter and more durable print results.

Cotton is not ideal for sublimation because sublimation dye does not bond well with natural cotton fibers. For sublimated sportswear, polyester or high-polyester fabrics are usually recommended.

Polyester mesh, bird eye and other breathable performance fabrics are often used for jerseys and training wear. The final choice depends on the sport, design, fit and required durability.

Fleece or warmer knit fabrics are commonly used for hoodies, sweatshirts and warm-up apparel because they provide a softer and warmer feel.

Yes. Fabric swatches may be available for important projects. Contact our team with your product type and requirements, and we can recommend suitable fabric options.

Yes. Fabric content, texture, base color, surface finish and stretch can affect how sublimation colors appear after printing. For color-sensitive projects, sample confirmation is recommended.

Need Help Choosing Fabric?

Tell us your product type, sport, design requirement and target use. Our team can recommend suitable fabric options for your custom sportswear project.

Mail Mail Request Fabric Recommendation